In a month from now our family will be traveling to Jamaica. Jamaica, a country that used to bring warm sun and beautiful beaches to my mind, is now a country where my son lives. I have to sit here and soak on that sentence for a while. We are hoping to take in a few days of beautiful beaches on this trip but our main purpose is to connect with Stephen. My stomach does a lot of swirling when I think of this meeting. Ty and I met Stephen last July and he found his way into our hearts with his genuine sweetness and smile. But then he was just a sweet boy with big dreams and little hope in my heart; today he is MINE in my heart.
These last days my mind has been doing a lot of thinking about this crazy amazing journey we are on and the faith that it takes each day to live it and I have found myself in awe of my husband, Brad. Brad has never met Stephen; he has not been to Jamaica except for a ½ day excursion when we were on a cruise. This wonderful husband of mine is going to Jamaica to meet his son all based on my words about him. Yes, God has confirmed in his heart that this adoption is what we are to do, but without any connection to this twelve year old boy. I have asked myself would I be as open to this if I had not made this connection? God is weaving an amazing story so I won’t stay stuck on that question too long but I do know that this whole adventure is building my faith deeper than I could have imagined.
I have learned that Stephen knows that there is a family that wants to adopt him. I’m sure he doesn’t remember us from last July because the orphanage has a lot of people coming to hang out with the kids. I have talked to Stephen several times on the phone but that is all he has to go on. What is going through this twelve year old boy’s mind? Is he excited, nervous, afraid, and hopeful???? He probably is all of the above. How do you approach a boy this age and convey the love you have for him without overwhelming him? There will be a lot of prayers for direction in this next month. My prayer is that the knowledge that Stephen knows now will prepare his heart for our first meeting as a family.
Stephen has made his way deep into my heart. My love for him is indescribable, it is a love that can’t compare to anything else because I know that this love is being built and bonded by my Heavenly Father. The joy I see in Bryson, Ty and Kaden’s eyes when we talk about Stephen is another sign of that God love that is building. So we wait….. we wait another 30 + days to make that physical connection; and then we will wait again for the time that the permanent reunion can happen. Through this journey so far I am amazed at how the power of God is shaking, rattling and rolling my heart and mind and forming me into this new person that knows it is truly 100% about God and HIS plan for me and WOW it is a beautiful and scary thing.
This is amazing!! You can also rest assured that this is a unique love, as most people won’t even consider 12 year olds. They want one 5 years old and under. But a 12 year old? Right before entering his teenage years. What a mission and ministry you are on!! I am so happy for you! Praying not only for you, but also for Stephen as he adjusts to a new environment, culture, food, and life in general. This will be huge for him. At least, he knows English?
I love God stories! And you have one!!
Thanks Barb for your encouraging words, sometimes I freak out over the thought of a 12 year old boy. But I know this is God’s plan and He will provide.
Brings tears to my eyes as I read your heart felt words!! I’m speechless! We serve an amazing Creator!! Blessings and Prayers being sent your way!!